A nurse is planning a support group for the families of patients with psychiatric disorders. The nurse integrates knowledge of which of the following as the primary underlying issue related to stress that the families experience?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Stigma associated with the diagnosis. Stigma can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and discrimination for families of patients with psychiatric disorders, causing significant stress. Families may struggle with societal judgment and misconceptions about mental illness, impacting their ability to seek support and cope effectively. Understanding and addressing stigma is crucial in supporting families. Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: A: Severity of the patient's symptoms - While the severity of symptoms can be distressing for families, it is not the primary underlying issue related to stress. B: Barriers faced by the patient - Although barriers faced by the patient can contribute to stress, it is not the primary underlying issue experienced by families. D: Risk for relapse - While the risk for relapse can be a concern, it is not necessarily the primary underlying issue related to stress for families of patients with psychiatric disorders.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Assessment is the first phase of the nursing process. Step 2: Collecting and organizing information is crucial to understand the client's current situation. Step 3: By collecting data, the nurse can identify the client's needs and create an individualized care plan. Step 4: Building trust and rapport (Choice A) is important but is more focused on the therapeutic relationship, which is part of the implementation phase. Step 5: Identifying goals and outcomes (Choice B) is part of the planning phase. Step 6: Identifying and validating the medical diagnosis (Choice D) is the responsibility of the healthcare provider and is not the primary goal of the nursing assessment.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because psychotherapy is a key treatment for personality disorders, including cluster A disorders like schizoid or paranoid personality disorder. While medications may help manage symptoms, they do not treat the core issues. Option A is incorrect because personality disorders are deeply ingrained and not typically cured. Option B is incorrect as DBT primarily targets emotion regulation in borderline personality disorder. Option C is incorrect as medications are not considered primary treatment for personality disorders.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of altered consciousness. Delirium is an acute condition that manifests quickly, unlike dementia which is more gradual. The sudden change in consciousness is a key factor in diagnosing delirium. Choice A is incorrect as talking normally is not a primary diagnostic criterion for delirium. Choice B is incorrect as gradual confusion over time is more indicative of dementia rather than delirium. Choice D is incorrect as exposure to an infectious agent is not a primary cause for delirium, although it could contribute in some cases.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct initial nursing action for a client wanting to leave against medical advice from an inpatient locked psychiatric unit is to check the client's admission status and discuss the reasons for wanting to leave (Choice B). This approach allows the nurse to assess the client's mental status, risk factors, and reasons for wanting to leave, which are essential for providing appropriate care and interventions. By understanding the client's perspective and concerns, the nurse can work collaboratively with the client to address underlying issues and potentially prevent harm. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not prioritize understanding the client's reasons for wanting to leave or assessing the client's mental status and risk factors. Choice A dismisses the client's request without exploring the underlying issues. Choice C focuses on punitive measures rather than therapeutic communication. Choice D, placing the client on one-on-one observation, does not address the client's concerns or reasons for wanting to leave.